The Gozo Tourism Association admitted today that as a result of the low-cost airlines, many Maltese were opting to go abroad instead of Gozo.

In proposals made to the political parties for the general election, the GTA said that while Gozo had benefited from the increased influx of tourists thanks to low cost airlines, many Maltese were opting to spend their holidays abroad instead of in Gozo.

It therefore proposed that Maltese who spend more than one night in Gozo should pay the same ferry tarrif as the Gozitans in winter - a proposal which was already made by the government in the last Budget.

Among a range of other proposals, the GTA said Mgarr harbour was becoming too small. It therefore proposed a quay in Marsalforn for ferry services to Sicily, as well as more yacht berthing facilities in Marsalforn and other bays.

It also renewed its call for an airstrip for fixed wing services while backing the proposal for an undersea tunnel.

Other proposals included more investment in bays and diving facilities and exploitation of tourism niche areas such as conference travel, religious travel, agro-tourism, carnival and an opera season.

It also called for a VAT reduction on accommodation to 5% from 7%.